Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc — Stellenbosch, South Africa 2024
Ken Forrester is widely regarded as the "King of Chenin" — no producer in South Africa has done more to champion the grape or elevate its reputation on the world stage. Founded in 1993 on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, the estate farms old vines on decomposed granite soils with the b...Show More >
Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc — Stellenbosch, South Africa 2024
Ken Forrester is widely regarded as the "King of Chenin" — no producer in South Africa has done more to champion the grape or elevate its reputation on the world stage. Founded in 1993 on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, the estate farms old vines on decomposed granite soils with the benefit of cooling maritime influences from False Bay. The Reserve Chenin Blanc is their benchmark expression: textured, layered, and built to age, yet approachable from release. The 2024 vintage was shaped by a warm, dry summer that concentrated the fruit beautifully, with just 2,000 cases imported to the US.
The wine pours a bright, pale straw. The nose is perfumed and generous — ripe pineapple, honeydew melon, baked apple, nectarine, and subtle floral notes with a whisper of hazelnut. On the palate, it's rich, creamy, and silky with vivid acidity, a subtle streak of chalky sapidity, and layers of tropical and yellow fruit. The finish is long and mineral-driven, with refreshing hints of quinine and grapefruit pith. Drink now through 2030.
"A lovely, silky white, with vivid acidity and a subtle streak of chalky sapidity layered with flavors of yellow apple, pear, lemon meringue and chamomile, plus a rich touch of hazelnut." — Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points
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Producer: Ken Forrester Vineyards, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Vintage: 2024
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Appellation: Stellenbosch WO
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Varietal: Chenin Blanc (Old Vine)
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Terroir: Decomposed granite, Helderberg Mountain slopes
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Production: 10,000 cases made; 2,000 cases imported
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Size: 750ml
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Accolades: Wine Enthusiast 91 | James Suckling 91
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Drink: Now through 2030
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Tasting Notes: Pineapple, honeydew, baked apple, nectarine, hazelnut, chalky minerality, quinine finish
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Best Paired With: Grilled prawns, scallops, roast chicken with herbs, butternut squash risotto, aged goat cheese
Dual 91-point old vine Chenin Blanc from South Africa's undisputed King of Chenin — textured, mineral, and built for the table.
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